The Wedding Affair

Rebel Hearts #1

by Heather Boyd

The life she wants is the love he lost.

Coming face-to-face before her wedding with the scoundrel who broke her heart and destroyed her trust could not be more awkward or ill timed for Sally Ford. When she agreed to give her hand and fortune to London’s most eligible earl, she did so believing she would learn to love him after they tied the knot. Her betrothed has no idea she was engaged to Captain Felix Hastings six years ago, or that she gave her innocence to the ambitious officer.

When Felix answered the summons from his superior he never expected to face Sally Ford, the woman who'd believed a lie and labeled him a fortune hunter before calling off their engagement six years ago. In his determination to clear the air about the past, pride clashes with the truth as every argument and stolen moment reignites a passion that has never waned. Giving in could destroy everything they've both worked so hard to achieve, or will fate offer them a chance to begin again if only they can forgive?

Don’t miss this first steamy tale in the Rebel Hearts regency romance series—reserve your copy today!

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Regency, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Ebooks

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 6, 2016

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Heather Boyd believes every character she creates deserves their own happily-ever-after—no matter how much trouble she puts them through. With that goal in mind, she writes steamy romances that skirt the boundaries of propriety to keep readers enthralled until the wee hours of the morning. Heather has published over sixty regency romance novels and shorter works full of daring seductions and distinguished rogues. She lives north of Sydney, Australia, with her trio of rogues and a four-legged overlord. To learn more visit www.Heather-Boyd.com

Reviews

[Debbie DiFiore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read

The Hero was awesome. He was at sea for six years and he remained faithful to the h. Even though their engagement was cancelled. She is now being courted by an Earl who needs money for his estate. His mother is atrocious but he seems nice enough. But there is no spark. Her grandfather the Duke sends for her ex fiancee and forced him to stay at the estate with Sally the h. He said it was urgent and yet he didn't seem to be in a hurry to talk. I just loved his character. Her whole family was awesome. She is getting ready for her quick wedding and is already questioning her decision. Then she sees the captain, her ex fiancee and of course She fights it but she still loves him. And of course he still loves her. You get to see all the machinations in the family's effort to help her find true love. I just loved the characters. They are drawn very well and make the story come alive. It is very cute and I will read This author again.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
'The Wedding Affair' by Heather Boyd is book one for the "Rebel Hearts" series. This is the story of Sally Ford and Captain Felix Hastings.
Sally has set to marry Lord Ellicott. Sally doesn't have feelings for him but thinks she can grow to care for him. Sally had given her heart away to Felix about six years ago. But she had broken their engagement after she though him to be a fortune hunter instead of being in love with her.
Felix has returned when called back by his superior and now he learns Sally is to be married shortly. Felix thinks to try and make her understand what happened back then. Can Sally let go of the past? Will she move forward with Lord Ellicott? Felix has never let Sally's memory go even with at sea...now he hopes to fix things.


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[Sandra R · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nicely written Regency.

I found it just okay.

There were a lot of characters and storylines referred to. Some, I assume, are from previous books and some possibly to set up future books. I prefer a more personal interaction in a romance. All the extra references threw me away from the main couple.

[Virginpat · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5

[Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique plot, deep characters

This book had none of the shallow, headstrong, foolish heroines so common in recent Regency romances. The characters were complex and mature, their problems serious snd realistic. A little slow in the beginning but interesting twists later on redeemed it. An enjoyable read.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Sally Ford didn’t expect to come face-to-face with Captain Felix Hastings who broke her heart when she’s agreed to marry Lord Ellicott who is only interested in her dowry. When Felix answered the urgent summons from his superior, he never expected to face his angry first and only love about to marry an earl or to discover he has the support of her family to get in her way. With no expectation of winning her back, Felix finally has a chance to clear the air about the past.
An entertaining book, I do like a second chance romance, the characters had depth & I loved their verbal sparring & also how the chemistry between them just grew hotter & hotter. I also liked how Felix & Sally’s backstories were gradually revealed, which kept me reading. A well written enjoyable romance

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book to read but I only gave it 4 stars because I felt some things were not explained. I still do not totally know how the broken engagement came about. And other little things, but I don’t want to get into it to spoil it for anyone. Also in the description of the book it says “coming face-to-face with the scoundrel who broke her heart on the eve of her wedding to another man...” this is totally wrong. It was the day she accepted to marry another man. I am not totally sure why Felix was such a scoundrel.

[Hailey Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad for a free book ☺️ good plot, would have been happier if there had been less spice I think it would have made for a better story. Ellicott was definitely a Playboy and jerk.

[Ann Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo

I truly enjoyed the characters and the story. I am looking forward to reading more about the Ford family. I plan on checking out more books by this author.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wedding Affair (Rebel Hearts), Book 1 by Heather Boyd is a interesting Regency Historical Romance.
Second chances, sweet romance, betrayal, ambition, broken hearts, healing, forgiveness, family influence and misunderstandings, makes for some interesting reading.

This is, Captain Felix Hastings and Sally Ford's story. They had been betrothed six years prior to this story. Sally had given her innocence to Captain Felix believing they where to marry. But, she believes the lies and called off the marriage, thinking he was a fortune hunter. Ambition and pride destroys their future together.

Six years later....Captain Felix, returns. Sally is now a widow, Lady Ellicott.
Sparks fly again. Their love had never died. First, they must regain trust, and forgive past mistakes, but, will they finally be able to have their chance for a HEA or lose all, again?
But can either forgive the other one, or will they lose all to due pride and foolishness? The reader will find many twists and turns, and the secondary characters are sure to find stories of their own.
Ms. Boyd has woven a tale with engaging characters and an emotionally charged storyline. While listed as steamy, I did not think it was steamy. A great Regency Romance! Readers of second chances, are sure to enjoy "The Wedding Affair".

THE REBEL HEARTS SERIES
Book 1: The Wedding Affair
Book 2: An Affair of Honor

Received for an honest review from Net Galley. However, all opinions and thoughts are my own.

Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR

[Debbie Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wedding Affair starts with Sally Ford trying to move on with her life. Six years ago she was deeply in love, engaged and gave her innocence to Felix Hasting. Sally believed he’d lied to her and she labeled him a fortune hunter and called off their engagement. Sally decides it’s time to move on with a very nice handsome Earl who she feels in time she will learn to love, but before her wedding she comes face to face with Felix at her grandfather the Duke’s estate. Sure Felix answered the summons from his superior but he never expected to see Sally again and to find out she was getting married in two weeks. Felix feels it’s time to clear the air with Sally. The two clash and their find their passion is still smoldering and ready to reignite if they are not careful. Will Sally listen to her heart, to Felix, will she understand what happened all those years ago, and grab the love of her life before he walk out of her life again even knowing giving in could destroy everything they've both worked so hard to achieve.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Patricia Wissore · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a new to me author I wasn't sure how the story would progress or flow. The background on the characters was given as the story went along, instead of at the beginning of the book, was a new twist for me to read through. Sally and Felix meet again after she broke their engagement when she was told false information about him. Some parts of the story we weren't ever told or explained about, however that I can over look. The tale of how Felix and Sally find their way back together was fun to watch and the set-up for so many other stories from secondary characters leaves me wanting to know what happens next!

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this very romantic and enchanting story. I very much like the characters, especially the Duke, and await the future novels in this series, hopefully Sally's brothers, and also get to find out more about the rest of the family and friends.
I'm a fanatic when it comes to reading everything Heather Boyd writes, and I think this new series is going to be a "smash".
2nd book already pre-ordered for July!

[Jennifer Becker · Rating 4 out of 5]

a sweet story of love is never lost just mearly hidden. broken hearts mend true love never dies. no matter how much Sally wants to hate and forget Felix her heart wars with her head. Felix never could forget the only woman he ever loved. years at sea could never steal the memory of her. seeing her again is a curse and a blessing. their passion is just as explosive now if not more so than before. a must read.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sally is planning to marry London’s most eligible earl, the problem is she doesn’t love him. Lord Ellicott doesn’t know that Sally was previous betrothed to Captain Felix Hastings and ended it when she thought he only wanted her money. Now he is back to set things right between them, can he convince her? Who will she choose? This is a fast paced emotional read. I liked the story as well as the chemistry between Sally and Felix. Good historical read.

[Amy Alvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! Second chance romances are always one of my favorites. You could clearly feel that the love was still there between Sally and Felix even after all these years. It was wonderful watching them find their way back to each other.

I'm excited to read the next book in the series which stars William, Sally's cousin!

Thanks go out to LLD Press via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in the Rebel Hearts series is a thrilling, historical read!

Read full review in the 2016 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and engaging story line

I really enjoyed reading this book. The story line was interesting and the characters all engaging. The underlying family unity and support makes the premise believable. I like this family and am looking forward to the next in the series.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay...
This was a cute read. The characters were very likeable though somewhat predictable. I gave 2 1/2 stars bc of the type of book it is.....an easy, light read. I would not have read it if it hadn't been free.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing

It took the heroine a long time to make up her mind! She almost marries the wrong man! Some steamy scenes.

[Ay Oh Be · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cliff's Notes:

Nothing wrong with this one. Its a quick read for anyone in need of a good escape or distraction. It has family intrigue, sets up for a series of this family, and a very attractive hero. Its worth picking up for a few dollars.

Longer Story:

Thanks to a long power outtage it was easier to read on my kindle than risk lighting my books on fire. This book was one I had previously downloaded so it was all good to go.

Regency stories are always interesting because if they want to include sex they need to find a way around the mores of the time period. In this case they used a secret affair and a broken engagement that set the scene for the whole story. A dashing Captain returns to (eventually) fight for the hand of the woman he loves and once spurned.

The Captain also served as a way to introduce the future characters of the series. Rebel hearts seems to be following the Ford family and most of the men are in the navy. So we can be introduced to them through Captain Felix Hastings. It also sets up the family dynamic of the Fords which has strong loving bonds only interrupted by the ambitious (and not at all flatteringly depicted) son of the Duke. Boyd actually did this part very well and, if I were going to continue with the series, this would give me a solid base for the next novel.

The reason I won't continue with the series is that I could put it down. I finished this novel and didn't race to look for the next. The story ended happily and had some pretty sizzling scenes but in the end it just didn't pull me in. I didn't get invested in the characters. Well that's not true. I only got invested in Felix Hastings and since this was his story I don't feel the need to continue.

Felix was the best part of this story. A brave and handsome naval Captain. He was respectful and cheeky. I felt more girl power in his statements to Sally than I did from Sally herself. Sally is set up to be a strong woman who takes on the management of her grandfather's estate while her brothers and father are at sea. But in the end I just felt like she was flat and frustrating. Where as Felix is written as dynamic and hot. He is constantly telling her not to hide her true self and complimenting her strength. But even as he lifts her up he holds his ground. His character was infinitely more interesting.

There is a sexual scene that really solidified Felix for me. Sally comes looking for an orgasm and he obliges but kicks her out before having sex with her. He does it because he wants to pleasure but he refuses to make love to her when she is not his to love. I love the strength and gentleness of his character that this scene shows. It wasn't just physically hot it had an emotional intimacy that I loved.

So yeah in the end I was happy to read it but I'm not going to chase down more of her books.

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at Can't Resist A Happy Ending

The Wedding Affair was easy to fall into, the world building took place as the story progressed. I prefer when the background and the building of their world is explained along the way instead of an information dump at the very beginning – but that’s my own personal reading preference.

Once Sally and Felix were deeply in love, engaged to be married and anticipated their wedding night. Sally had no qualms about giving the man she loved her innocence… until she was told a lie that changed everything. Without turning to Felix for the truth, Sally abruptly ended their engagement, banished him from her life and set out to move on. Six years later each holds on to memories, regrets, even anger as Sally approaches a marriage that she feels will be adequate as she hopes to one day fall in love with her husband… even though he shows no signs of wanting more than an heir, a spare and a free to do as he pleases marriage. Members of Sally’s family are plotting behind the scenes as Sally and Felix are once again brought face to face. The love, the passion is still there as is the mistrust, hurt and anger. Slowly this couple will decide to trust each other, damn the consequences and reclaim what they had lost. But the journey to that ending will not be easy, they will have to work for that love to become more than a flame but a certainty based on trust. Not an easy task given their history.

I have discovered over the years that it’s possible to enjoy a story, even when I don’t particularly like a character. I wish I could have liked Sally better. I’ve tried to put myself in her fictional shoes, given the time period, the situation… and I still cannot understand why she reacted as she did. But aside from that point I did enjoy Felix and Sally’s overall story. There are many interesting secondary characters that I’m already wishing for their stories to come to light. So, I will be continuing this series – for now I want to know more. If you love Regency Romance, a second chance at finding that forever love and righting the wrongs of the past then you’ll enjoy The Wedding Affair.

I own a Kindle Edition of The Wedding Affair

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love second chance stories, especially when someone outside the couple was the cause for their separation. Sally Ford and Felix Hastings were in love and engaged to be married until she called it off. She was devastated because she had been told that he was marrying her to further his naval career since her father was an Admiral and Felix wanted to be a captain of his own ship. Now, six years later, she intends to marry Lord Ellicott even though they do not love each other and it is obvious that he needs her dowery. Enter Captain Hastings, summoned by Sally’s father the Admiral.
However, when Felix arrives, the Admiral is called away and Sally’s grandfather, the Duke of Rutherford, insists that Felix stay until his return. What follows is a story filled with emotion, regret and tender moments. Characterwise, Ellicott’s mother is a controlling nuisance, with very strong beliefs about what women should and should not do. Lord Elliott has his own agenda, and there is just this feeling like something is ‘off‘ with him. The Admiral leaves a lot to be desired, and his wife, Sally’s mother, is kind and loving but long suffering. Jennings is the sidekick with his own issues, and the young ladies add innocence and fluff. There were time when I wanted to shake the stubborness out of Sally, and other times when my heart bled for her. Felix is the wronged non-villain, and swoon-worthy naval officer, and the Duke is the real hero pf the story. This tale has an underlying intensity that rivets your attention, engages your emotons, and keeps you wondering what surprise is just around the corner.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Letschat1974 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stars 3/4 (Kate Pearce, Maureen Driscoll, Elisa Braden)

3 stars (4 stars if you enjoy the above mention authors).

This book is worth a read but didn’t really have me excited about interacting with the book where I could not put it down (skimmed through parts of the book). It lacks the excitement and well roundness of my personal markers for a great read throughout the book.

There was a lack of development and interest in main characters. I enjoy secondary characters and there were a few moments in the book, enough info was provided that I MAY be interested in reading past books and the upcoming book.

There were a handful of humorous scenes but nothing that stuck out.

I found the movement of the book ‘choppy at times’ especially around the story telling overall.

The writing /conversation of the book was not the style that gets me engaged and partner with the books characters to enjoy this book past a first read.

There are romantic/sexual content throughout the book (kissing, oral, love making).

Read this book once and that is enough for me.

I wouldn’t cross the author out of my potential reads in the future.

[Rosie Trzewik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ohhhh! Such a wonderful start to a new series. Will leave you wanting more. The story starts with Lady Sally Ford, who has decided it’s time to put the past behind her and move forward with her life, She wants marriage and children and Lord Elliott fits her requirements. Hopefully in time she will learn to love him.
Captain Felix Hastings has for six long years, kept his promise, well mostly,to stay away from any Ford. Not easily done when in the Navy and so are several Ford’s. So receiving orders to appear at his Admiral’s home immediately, who happens to be the father of his one and only true love was baffling. Why after all these years after his broken engagement with Sally, has the Admiral requested his appearance?
Not all appears as one would expect. Sally is confused with her feelings for Felix, Lord Elliott appears to be a fortune hunter and Felix only wants to set things right between Sally and himself. To explain the past.
A well paced story of second chances, a meddling family. A bit steamy, but not over done. A real page turner that will keep you in thralled till the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was lots of potential here but too often I felt as if I was thrown into the middle of the story. I was confused by the number of side characters who I couldn’t keep straight and never felt I got a satisfactory understanding of what broke up Sally and Felix the first time they were together. You would have thought this was at least the second or third book in a series rather than the first.

The numerous secrets and misunderstandings that apparently kept them apart for six years were never fully explained. Her break up with Ellicott was quite anticlimactic considering the build up to what a scandal it was supposed to be. In fact, there was nothing very dramatic about the lovers’ reconciliation at all.

In the end, the hero and heroine were likable and the large family had nice potential for a large series about all of them, but the plot ended up being rather dull and it seems there are only 4 books and at least one of them, I’m not sure of the connection to the Ford family.

[Margaret Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when your family are so against the man you are currently thinking of marrying they bring back your former betrothed? Sally Ford finds out when Felix Hastings shows up unexpectedly to her family’s estate while she is expecting a proposal of marriage from her current beau, Lord Ellicot. After being forced to spent time together again, both Sally and Felix realize they never stopped loving each other. I really enjoyed reading about the relationships as they developed between the Sally and the Felix and Felix’s relationships with her family. The story was well developed and well written to show that true love does exist and can persevere through challenging circumstances.

I received an ARC from Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review

[Greselley]

The start was a struggle until it became managable. But I came to the part where it was too boring to continue. And the heroine is annoying. She is so set on marrying the earl who flat out told her he did not expect fidelity in their marruage, that she can take a love after giving him an heri and a spare. Her decision is fixed though there were some doubts now and then, and thoughout those times, she still longs for the captain and even propositioned an affair between them until the wedding. And I was like, wth? Definitely not a good heroine. I came across with this book with anticipation because, who wouldn't love a second chance romance? But I end up disappointed.

[D Call · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wade through the beginning for a good ending

This book was so hard to get into. I only have a few DNF books, and this was about to be added to that pile, the beginning was so bad. The story finally started making sense about 30%, and the characters became clearer and more important about 50%. The ending was the best ever.

Sex: 2 scenes, both before marriage
Language: 0 F words, 9 Lord's name in vain, 0 S words
Violence: sword practice, destruction of property
Cliffhanger: no
Do I need to read books before this one: I'm not sure
Would I read more of the series: maybe

[Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Satisfying!
A beautiful second chances romantic story between Sally and Felix.
She is devastated when Felix disappears for 6 years, breaking their relationship and then suddenly reappears just when she becomes betrothed to a money grabbing man.
Felix is still faithful to her even after all this time and I loved that about him because their breakup wasn't something he wanted.
She doesn't know what to think or how to act around him... And, the story takes off from there, ending in a very satisfying result.
I really did enjoy this story and plan to read more from his author.